Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 170)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 170 is to establish the Manual of Student Rights and Responsibilities in post-secondary educational institutions in the Philippines to promote academic development as well as conditions for intelligent social participation among students.
Every person enrolling in a post-secondary academic or vocational course in a college or university authorized or recognized by the government is entitled to admission upon meeting specific academic requirements and reasonable regulations approved by the Department of Education authorities.
Every student has the right to due process including being informed in writing of any charge, to be heard and to defend themselves before a body created by the school administration, with at least one member being a representative from the student government, before any suspension, expulsion, or similar disciplinary action.
Yes, students have the right to organize a free student government that can administer, legislate, and adjudicate within its approved constitutional jurisdiction.
A student organization must file a written statement of purpose, its organizational structure and procedures, minimum membership qualifications, and listings with the proper school authority; recognition may be revoked if it violates its own statement, the institution’s rules, or regulations.
Students have the responsibility to uphold the academic integrity of their institution and to devote themselves to increasing their knowledge and understanding of the world for their personal and societal duties.
No disciplinary action may be taken for activities off-campus in the exercise of the rights of citizenship, provided that they do not purport to represent or involve the institution without its consent.
Students have the right to avail and use campus facilities as members of authorized student organizations, provided they comply with uniform regulations and use the facilities for contracted purposes only.
The Secretary of Education is tasked with issuing appropriate rules and regulations, including sanctions, necessary to implement the provisions of this Executive Order.
While specific penalties are determined by institutional rules, students bear the responsibility to abide by school policies, respect others' rights, and uphold academic and organizational integrity; violations can lead to disciplinary measures including loss of recognition or sanctions as per school regulations.